To ‘the three Rs’, add ‘I’ for identity

Since 2006 school children in Cornwall have rightly been allowed to record themselves as ‘ethnically’ Cornish on the annual Schools Census (PLASC).

Since then the number identifying as Cornish has risen from 24% to 41%.

2006: 24 percent

2007: 27 percent

2008: 30 percent

2009: 34 percent

2010: 37 percent

2011: 41 percent

A 71% increase in 5 years!

The proportion categorised (largely by their parents) as Cornish is rising overall as new nursery and primary pupils enter school.

Additionally, the percentages of Cornish for each of the separate primary/nursery, secondary, and special school groups have risen over time.

The levels are now reaching the stage where it could be that as well as a good proportion of those now identifying as Cornish by ancestry, or by birth, there are some incomers who have adopted Cornwall as their nation included.

A sign of Cornish national maturity more like Scotland today perhaps?

To the three Rs, add I for Identity!

“States shall respect the right of a child to preserve his or her identity. Where a child is illegally deprived of some or all elements of his or her identity, States will provide appropriate assistance and protection with a view to re-establishing speedily his or her identity“.